Mastering Laravel 12 Conditional Validation

Laravel 12 remains one of the top choices for PHP developers. It brings a range of improvements in performance, structure, and security. One of the most useful and powerful features of the framework is conditional validation. Using it correctly can make your code cleaner, more efficient, and easier to maintain.

In this article, you’ll learn how to master conditional validation in Laravel 12. We’ll explore when to use it, how to apply it, and practical tips to write clean and flexible code.

What is Conditional Validation?

Conditional validation means that validation rules change depending on a condition. For example, a field may only be required if another field has a specific value. Or the format of a field may vary depending on the user type. This lets you adapt your forms smartly.

You don’t need to duplicate rules or rely on complex JavaScript logic. Laravel can handle those conditions directly on the backend.

Why Use Conditional Validation?

Using conditional validation helps create more robust systems. It also reduces the chance of errors, avoids duplicated logic, and improves user experience. Here are a few advantages:

  • Avoids unnecessary validation.

  • Makes automated testing easier.

  • Ensures data consistency.

  • Keeps your code clean and readable.

Moreover, you can keep all your validations in one place, even when forms behave differently based on context.

Main Conditional Validation Methods

Laravel offers several ways to apply rules conditionally. Below are the most common methods and how to use them in practice.

1. required_if

This rule requires a field only if another field has a specific value.

$request->validate([
'company' => 'required_if:type,company',
]);

If the type field is equal to company, then the company field becomes required.

2. required_unless

This is the opposite of the previous rule. A field is required unless another field has a specific value.

$request->validate([
'cpf' => 'required_unless:type,company',
]);

So, if the type is not company, the CPF must be provided.

3. required_with and required_without

These rules make a field required based on the presence (or absence) of other fields.

$request->validate([
'password' => 'required_with:email',
]);

If the email is sent, then the password is also required.

Using Validator::make for More Control

If you need more logic, you can use the Validator class directly. This allows you to validate fields based on more complex business rules.

$validator = Validator::make($request->all(), [
'type' => 'required',
'cnpj' => Rule::requiredIf(function () use ($request) {
return $request->type === 'company';
}),
]);

This way, you can write dynamic conditions depending on any part of your request.

Creating Custom Conditional Rules

When built-in validation is not enough, you can create custom rules. In Laravel 12, this is simple using Rule::when():

use Illuminate\Validation\Rule;

$rules = [
'document' => [
Rule::when($request->type === 'company', ['required', 'cnpj']),
Rule::when($request->type === 'individual', ['required', 'cpf']),
],
];

This approach keeps your code clean and organized. You can also reuse these rules in other parts of your application.

Tips for Clean Conditional Validation

  • Avoid logic in controllers: Use Form Request classes instead.

  • Use clear field names: This helps readability and maintainability.

  • Test your rules: Use PHPUnit to ensure your validation works in all cases.

  • Keep validation and business logic separate.

Mastering conditional validation in Laravel 12 can take your applications to the next level. You’ll write cleaner code, reduce errors, and improve user experience. In addition, you gain flexibility to handle different scenarios without overcomplicating your backend.

Remember: Laravel offers several ways to validate data based on conditions. Use these tools wisely and clearly. And above all, keep your code organized, readable, and easy to test.

If you’re building real-world systems with Laravel 12, understanding these practices is essential. Keep learning, practicing, and applying them to your projects!

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